Cash incentives app *shopt has appointed Martin Ryan as its new managing director as the platform looks to expand to new markets alongside the growth in the UK.
Ryan joins from parent company CPM and is charged with bringing *shopt to new markets, expanding the app’s recent on-trade launch, implementing enhancements to the app for its user base and building on its success to date.
“We’ve proven ourselves to be a viable, cost-effective platform that provides an invaluable link between retailers and global brands and we are keen to build on that success in 2021, enhancing the app further and expanding to new markets,” Ryan said.
“We’ve provided brands with fast, tactical support in a time of unprecedented crisis, but the appeal of *shopt for brands is an important pillar in their convenience strategy. The benefits provided by *shopt are easily transferable across sectors, and we are looking at an extended roll-out into the on-trade through 2021,” he added.
The platform, which is billed as the UK’s largest retail engagement multi-brand cash incentives app, has reached a milestone of more than £2 million paid out across its over 20,000 registered users, with more than 35 brands signing up to use the app and digitally engage with convenience retailers. It has also launched into Ireland and the Netherlands.
The platform supports many leading brands by facilitating NPD launch and roll out into the independent convenience sector and saw a 49 per cent increase in activity within the app from retailers during 2020.
The increased engagement in the app over the last year demonstrated a clear desire from retailers to have digital communication with brands, and for brands to find new ways to connect with the channel, whilst they grapple with restrictions on traditional routes to market and lack of opportunity for face-to-face rep drop-ins, as well as budget restrictions, according to Ryan.
Ryan has a 20-year association with CPM – first joining in 2000 as sales & marketing director and most recently holding the position of Chief Developmental Officer and Global Client Lead, having spent time running the CPM Asia business.
The *shopt app now boasts more than 100 offers live at any one time. The app also provides support to retailers, offering resources to help grow their businesses on subjects including merchandising and ranging advice.
